Baby Footprint Tattoos to Celebrate Your Little Bundle of Joy

Getting the name of a loved one tattooed on one's body is considered by some as the highest expression of affection. Some parents go a step forward by getting baby footprint tattoos inked on their body to celebrate the event of their baby's birth. Read on to know about the various considerations to weigh, before going in for such a tattoo.

Debopriya Bose

Last Updated: Mar 2, 2018

There is no feeling that parallels the exhilaration of bringing a new life into this world. Proud parents adopt various ways of making this moment a memorable one. Keeping up with the current fashion trends, many parents celebrate this overwhelming experience by making baby footprint tattoos on their body. It is like a personal touch of your baby right there on your body. Just imagine looking at the little tattoos years after your child was born. And all those memories and feelings that you had when you took the first look at your newborn, and the warmth you felt when you first held the baby in your arms. It all just comes flooding back.

Tattoo Ideas with Footprints of a Baby

Using Real Footprint

Getting a real footprint of the baby won't be difficult. The footprints of an infant are taken at the hospital shortly after the child is born. Parents receive a copy of this, complete with the pattern of the ridges, for the purpose of identification. However, for many couples, it's a cherished keepsake of the birth of their baby.

If you want to get a detailed looking footprint tattoo, then go to a skilled tattoo artist. Because, a tattoo artist will be able to replicate the delicate details of the baby's footprint. For this you will need to take a scanned copy and a photocopy both, of the baby's footprint. The tattoo artist will trace from the copy and then will place the traced sample on a skin patch. This will give precise guidelines for the artist to work on the skin.

Another way to get footprint tattoo designs done, is to dip the baby's foot in some colored liquid and then stamp it on the skin. But, make sure you decide the appropriate body area. For example, you can get the tattoos on ribs, stomach, back, or legs. Once you are done with this, let the stamp pattern dry a bit and wash the baby's feet clean. Then head out to the tattoo parlor. This way the artist can work on the real footprint. However, talk to a pediatrician before going with this method, as it involves dipping the baby's foot in colored liquid, and the baby's skin can be sensitive to such a liquid.

Baby Footprint Ideas

There are a number of ways to make the tattoos more innovative and personal. Many parents get the name of their baby tattooed either above, below or along the sides of the footprints, or even on a banner through it. Some even include the date and time of the birth.

A skilled tattoo artist can script the face of the baby along with the footprint. One could choose to get the image of a dove tattooed to wish the child a peaceful life. Some get the feet encased in a heart shape border to symbolize their love for the baby. Instead of having the feet placed side-by-side, some parents get a number of footprints of their baby tattooed one after the other that looks like baby footprints trailing across their back.

For the more imaginative people, a twig with a few leaves could be included in the design just below the footprints that would look like the tip of the twig tickling the child's feet. In case one is including a name or other details, take time off to discuss the style and the font of the letters with the tattoo artist. One could also get some ideas from various websites that offer free tattoo designs.

Placement of the Tattoo

These tattoos can be made on any part of the body. They can be inked on the back, shoulders, chest, or on the wrist. Getting them on the feet is a popular idea. One could get both the feet tattooed on the same foot or get each footprint of their baby tattooed on their corresponding feet. This gives them the feeling that they are walking with their child all the time. The size of the design is an important consideration while deciding upon the placement of the tattoo. Tattoos that include other motifs, require larger areas. For such tattoos, the back or chest are suitable places. In personal opinion, they should be made on a part of the body that is easily visible to the parent. This would serve as a constant reminder of the love that the child has brought into the parent's life.

Colors to Use

Black and gray are the most common colors for tattoo designs. However, when it is about carrying a permanent memory of your child on your body, there is no reason why you should stick to the traditional colors. Explore the different colors available on the palette. One could also use pink or blue to distinguish between the footprints of a girl and a boy.

Tattoo Care

It is very important to take proper care of the tattoo after you get one done. A tattoo is like an open wound, and so it is important to stick to the tattoo aftercare instructions given by the tattoo artist. Most tattoo artists recommend to keep the tattoo bandaged for about 2 to 4 hours after the tattoo has been made. Once the bandage has been taken off, wash the area with lukewarm water and some mild soap. Consult the tattoo artist for the soap that you should use. Pat the area dry, preferably with a fresh paper towel. Use a mild cream for the first few days on the recommendations of the tattoo artist. Then switch to some light lotion over the next few days.

Although there are a number of ways to celebrate the joy of birth, wearing baby footprint tattoos on one's body seems to be the most permanent way of cherishing this momentous event.